How Can Kidney Function Improve?

Posted on Thu, 22 Apr 2021

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 Answered on

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : My Dad is currently in heart care. He has heart failure which is stable at the moment. The problem is he also has chronic kidney disease. He currently only has 17% kidney function and they are talking of being prepared for dialysis. I am worried sick dad is at end of life. He is 73. He also has diabetes type 2, peripheral neuropathy, 1 heart stent. Can his kidney function improve? Or are we at the end of the road?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Very near to kidney failure.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I am sorry to hear this about your dad.
A kidney function 17% is stage 4 kidney disease which is very near to kidney failure.
You should be prepared for dialysis.
This stage is not likely to get better and it may get worse.

His situation seems very serious since he has heart failure too. Furosemide and fluid restriction is needed.
I believe he is very near to end-stage kidney disease and kidney failure.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Dr.Arnab

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (53 minutes later)

With dialysis how long will it work for

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can't be predicted.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.

Dialysis will increase the life expectancy but it can't be estimated how long will it last because he has every other disease.
Not one can predict how long will it last.

Take Care
Kind Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Dr.Arnab

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (10 hours later)

Dad has had ultrasound of kidneys and this has shown normal size with no abnormality detected yet GFR keeps fluctuating between 17 and 20. They say they are not worried about his creatinine and they dont just go off GFR. Dad only has one symptom which is fluid retention. They have kept him in hospital to get the fluid off him. Can his GFR improve even if only slightly? Thanks
Is there anything we can do to try and improve kidney function.
Dad is trying to lose weight and eat healthy.

Follow up: Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (2 hours later)

Dad has no shortness of breath or anything now. He did before treatment I am so confused

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can't be reversible.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and thank you for asking again.
I don't think that the gfr can be improved because the kidneys are chronically damaged over time and they can't be reversible.
Low salt diet and low water intake is the only thing to be done.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana